Geriatric Care Management represents a specialized field dedicated to enhancing the lives of elderly individuals and their families. Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs), with their expertise in nursing, social work, psychology or gerontology, are pivotal in navigating the complexities of aging, ensuring that seniors receive tailored care that respects their independence and dignity.

A geriatric care manager is not just a health care professional, but a compassionate guide and advocate for seniors and their families. These managers perform a critical role in assessing requirements, planning care strategies, coordinating services across providers, setting up in-home care and adjusting plans as the senior's needs change.

 

• Personalized Assessments: GCMs start by conducting thorough assessments of the senior's physical, mental and emotional health, considering their social needs, living conditions and personal preferences.
• Care Planning: They craft detailed care plans that outline necessary services, adjustments and interventions required to meet the identified needs. For example, they may recommend the use of tracking devices for the safety of a senior with dementia receiving in-home care. They can also determine whether an independent living facility, nursing home, or memory care facility is appropriate and recommend a facility.  
• Coordination and Advocacy: Geriatric care managers coordinate care among different health care providers, advocate for the senior's needs and ensure that the care provided is in the best interest of the senior.
• Locate community resources: Geriatric Care Managers not only navigate a network of local community resources but are also continuously exploring new services, assistive technologies and tools. This proactive approach ensures caregiving is made more manageable, and seniors are equipped with aids that promote their independence and mobility, safeguarding their quality of life. 

The aging process can bring about various challenges, including chronic health issues, mobility limitations and the need for social support. GCMs play a crucial role in:

• Enhancing the senior's quality of life by ensuring they receive appropriate, personalized care.
• Helping seniors maintain as much independence as possible, respecting their autonomy and preferences. 
• Supporting families by navigating the health care system, reducing stress and preventing caregiver burnout.

 

Navigating the financial landscape of geriatric care management requires understanding various cost factors and payment options, including considerations for veterans and the potential for cost savings.

GCM Service Costs: The cost of hiring a private geriatric care manager ranges from $100 to $250/hour, with initial assessments potentially costing between $150 and $750, depending on the region and the care needed. For those seeking more affordable options, local government agencies and charitable organizations may provide services at reduced rates or based on income levels.

Insurance Coverage: It's important to note that Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance plans  — including those covering long-term care  — do not typically cover the costs of private GCM services.

Cost-Benefit Considerations: Despite the lack of insurance coverage, investing in a geriatric care manager can lead to significant savings for families. This is due to the potential reduction in the need for family members to manage care (thereby mitigating lost wages), and reduced emergency travel for out-of-state family members. But perhaps the biggest cost benefit of geriatric care managers is improved care outcomes for senior loved ones; improved outcomes decrease the costs associated with hospital readmissions, as well as decreasing the likelihood of health complications.

Veterans Benefits: Veterans may have access to Geriatric Evaluation (sometimes called GeriPACT), which provides comprehensive assessments similar to geriatric care management services but is covered under veterans' benefits. This program is designed to create customized care plans, including treatment, rehabilitation and social services, tailored to the individual needs of the veteran. Eligibility criteria apply for those seeking to use these benefits.

Additional Costs: Budgeting for GCM services should also account for potential additional charges, such as long-distance calls, mileage and travel time.

By thoroughly understanding these aspects, families can make informed decisions when considering geriatric care management services, balancing the costs with the substantial benefits and support these professionals provide to elderly individuals and their caregivers.

Find the perfect geriatric care manager to meet your needs with our extensive national listings. Our detailed guidance on evaluating geriatric care management services equips you to make a well-informed decision tailored to your specific requirements.

• What Is A Geriatric Care Manager And How They Help? 2025.
• Ghimire, Kiran et al. (2023). Geriatric care special needs assessment. Stat Pearls | National Library of Medicine